Slatwall is a panel wall used in retail stores to display
products and merchandise efficently. Slatwall has grooves to allow the use of hooks, brackets and other accessories. It comes in 4' by 8' sheets, and is 3/4" thick. Slatwall panels can be horizontal orientation of 4' high by 8' wide and have a horizontal groove (or slot)
every 3" inches on center. Or they can come in a vertical orientation 4' wide by 8' high. Slatwall panels have a 1/2
groove at the top and bottom to allow the panels to be installed one above each other seamlessly.
The Slatwall Groove (or Slot)
Slatwall has grooves that look like a "T". They are are 3/8"H x 1/2"D. All standard slatwall has unfinished grooves. There are options of groove inserts to make the slatwall match other colors of your store and strengthen the load bearing ability of the grooves.
Plastic slatwall groove inserts are available as well as vinyl strips (very economical) so that you made add color and clean up the hardware installation.
Metal inserts are used to greatly enhance the strength of the slatwall. We always recommend aluminum inserts so the slatwall won't "blow out" from too much weight on a hook or other accessory. The panels are routed out more than a typical panel so the inserts can slide in. This must be done during production. You cannot add metal inserts later if the panel has not been initially router for aluminum inserts.
Slatwall Panel Core & Finish
The slatwall panel itself is made of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF).
Most industry standard slatwall is finished as a solid
color - Low Pressure Laminate (LPL) finish. More attractive finishes are available in Veneer and High Pressure Laminate (HPL). Specific patterns can be found from WilsonArt and Formica laminates.
Slatwall Installation Techniques
We always recommend that installation is performed by a professional.
Special permits are sometime required. Be sure that all building codes are being followed.
Preparation
Panels are installed with up to 3" long drywall screws into the wall studs. Check if you are installing into wood studs or metal studs. Always use course thread screws for wood studs and self-tabing screws for metal.
Cutting Panels
It is fairly simple to cut Slatwall panels . We recommend using a circular saw with a sharp blade and cut face down, so that the back of the panel is being cut first.
Installation
Use at least 24 screws per panel to ensure the panel will not come off of the wall. Some professionals prefer to use a panel adhesive as well screws. Be sure you are always screwing through the middle of the grooves and into the studs. A screw not in a stud is not going to apply strength to hold the panel to the wall.
For panels with aluminum inserts (as mentioned above) - pre-drill a hole through the aluminum and screw through the aluminum and into the stud. DO NOT take out the aluminum insert and put the screw in and then try to put the insert back in, it will not work.
Masonry Walls
Masonry walls will need to framed with studs so the panel can secured to the wall.
Slatwall Information 